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Train smarter, not harder

Exercise is the best-documented tool we have for a long, healthy life. Here are the principles biohackers build their training on, habits you can test this week, and how heat, cold and sleep help you recover.

Anatomical figure lifting a kettlebell, in green tones

Four principles

01

Strength keeps your muscles

Muscle mass falls with age if you don't use it. Strength training twice a week is enough to keep it, and makes everyday life easier.

Biological age →
02

Cardio for heart and brain

High fitness is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. People who exercised a lot also had longer telomeres, equal to about nine years less biological ageing.

How exercise lowers biological age →
03

Heat and cold for recovery

Many biohackers use a sauna and cold water after training. Heat relaxes stiff muscles. Wait a few hours with the cold plunge after strength training, so it doesn't blunt muscle growth.

Cold plunge and muscle growth →
04

Sleep is where you get stronger

Your body rebuilds while you rest. Short sleep means worse recovery, however well you train.

Better sleep →

Try this for a week

Small changes add up when they become habits. Pick one or more, try them for seven days and notice how your body and energy change.

  • Walk at least 8,000 steps every day
  • Do two short strength sessions, even with just bodyweight
  • Do one session where you get properly out of breath
  • End your shower with 30 seconds of cold water
  • Go to bed at the same time every night